Koch Aesthetic Dentistry Birmingham Alabama – Blog

Are you a busy Birmingham resident suffering with a toothache, but ignoring the pain? Have you started chewing on one side of your mouth to avoid your sensitive teeth? Have you stopped drinking hot and cold beverages to alleviate the discomfort? Dental pain is like an unpaid speeding ticket, ignoring it won’t make it go away.

Many Birmingham area adults and children dread seeking relief from a cosmetic dentist because they fear the treatment will hurt worse than the pain they are experiencing. Waiting too long to care for your teeth can cause serious health problems–and not just in your mouth.

My name is Dr. J. Paul Koch and I have been calming the anxious feelings of my Birmingham patients since 2000. At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we help you relax and ease any discomfort you may have. We create a pleasant dental experience for all of our Birmingham area patients. If you have dental anxiety, Koch Aesthetic Dentistry offers several solutions including sedation dentistry. We can also use anti-anxiety agents to quiet your fears and make your dental visit as safe and comfortable as possible.

In addition to sedation dentistry, Koch Aesthetic Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and clear braces for Birmingham residents.

Your smile can and should be your most attractive feature. Don’t let dental distress keep you from gaining and maintaining a dazzling smile. Let the professional and caring dental team at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry help restore and preserve your oral health. Call today to schedule an appointment. Our phone number is 205-202-8618. At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry we want your smile to last a lifetime.

Dr. J. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
2311 Highland Ave S, Ste 323
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm

If you live in the Birmingham area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Birmingham dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. J. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 205-202-8618 to schedule a consultation.

Many people will experience at least one tooth emergency in their life. You could break a tooth playing a sport, accidentally dislodge a dental crown, experience sudden pain caused by an abscess or break a wire on your braces. In the case of a dental emergency, see your Birmingham dentist as soon as possible!

Following are some immediate treatments:
Broken Tooth: Save any tooth fragments. Rinse mouth with warm water. If the area is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze. A cold compress held on the cheek can reduce swelling and lessen pain. Visit your Birmingham dentist as soon as you can.

Lost Filling: Save the filling if you can. It can help your dentist determine why it came out. Do not let food get stuck in the hole left by the filling. Do not chew on the tooth. Brush it gently. Call your Birmingham dentist’s office to schedule an emergency appointment right away.

Displaced Crowns: If there is pain, you may apply a dab of clove oil with a Q-tip to the affected tooth (a common home remedy that may reduce pain). Save the crown. If you can’t see your Birmingham dentist immediately, you can apply dental cement (available at drugstores) or denture adhesive to temporarily re-attach the crown until you can get to your Birmingham dentist. Do not use other types of glue or adhesive.

By visiting your Birmingham dentist as soon as possible, you avoid pain, infection and possible further tooth damage. If you delay treatment, even for a few days, you risk needing more extensive treatment later.

For dental emergencies in and around Birmingham, call Dr. J. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry. Our phone number is 205-202-8618.

The Dental Spa